The Kids Wellness Podcast

The Kids Wellness Podcast is your hub for creating happier, healthier lives for children. Hosted by Giselle Shardlow M.Ed., founder of Kids Yoga Stories, this podcast features inspiring guests from all areas of children’s health and wellness. Whether you’re an educator, pediatric therapist, yoga instructor, counselor, parent, or anyone working with kids, each episode offers practical tools, engaging stories, and expert insights to help children thrive emotionally and physically. Join us as we explore easy-to-implement wellness practices to create calm spaces, foster resilience, and support young minds and bodies.

#059 Mindful Monday - Just Be Meditation 02/01/2026

#058 How to Teach Culturally Responsive SEL with Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta 01/18/2026

#058 How to Teach Culturally Responsive SEL with Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta, co-author of "The Change You Want to See" and Deputy Superintendent of Harlem Community School, as they explore how mindfulness, cultural responsiveness, and social-emotional learning (SEL) transform school communities. Drawing from her 30 years as an educator and leader in Harlem, Dr. DeCosta shares her personal journey and practical tools for creating schools where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Some highlights: • How "The Change You Want to See" emerged from leading through the pandemic • What culturally responsive and affirming SEL looks like in practice • Building belonging through self-awareness, mindfulness, and connection • The power of consistent daily mindfulness in transforming school culture • How courageous leadership creates trust, inclusion, and collaboration • Practical advice for educators who fear “getting it wrong” in cultural conversations • Three key steps to start a mindfulness and SEL practice in your school • Why belonging is the foundation for student and teacher success Find Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta here: Bluesky: @decostadawn.bsky.social LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dawnd2 Instagram: @decostadawn Facebook: facebook.com/share/17SWiAftGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website: crasel.net EdWeek webinar: event.on24.com/wcc/r/4958646/4500AE53823221BC3B9545977E800930 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/39715730

#057 How to Lead Large Group Yoga Assemblies in Schools with Lauren Chaitoff 12/28/2025

#056 How to Cater to 3 Lesser-Known Sensory Systems in Kids Yoga Class with Claire Heffron 12/21/2025

#055 Mindful Monday - Feel Good Meditation 12/15/2025

#054 How Occupational Therapy Enhances Social Emotional Learning in Schools with Heather Greutman 11/30/2025

#053 School Trends 2025: 75% of Children Struggle with Self-Regulation with Margaret Rice 11/16/2025

#053 School Trends 2025: 75% of Children Struggle with Self-Regulation with Margaret Rice Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Margaret Rice, founder of Your Therapy Source, as they unpack the results of a nationwide survey with over 1,000 school-based therapists and educators. The findings reveal a growing crisis in self-regulation among children and highlight the urgent need for movement, mindfulness, and play in classrooms. Margaret shares surprising insights from the survey and practical strategies to support children’s focus, behavior, and resilience. From calm corners and movement breaks to co-regulation and play-based learning, discover tools that can make a difference for both students and teachers. Some highlights: • Key findings from a nationwide school trends survey • Why self-regulation and emotional regulation are top challenges in schools • How mindfulness, movement breaks, and calm-down corners improve focus and behavior • The role of co-regulation, collaboration, and play-based learning • Actionable tools and resources for educators and pediatric therapists Find Margaret Rice here: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourTherapySource 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/38526765

#052 - How to Create an Inclusive, Accessible, & Trauma-Informed Yoga Class with Larissa Noto 11/02/2025

#051 Mindful Monday - Love & Acceptance 10/26/2025

#050 Be Unapologetically Impatient: Create Change with Courage & Compassion with Dr. Christina Cipriano 10/19/2025

#049 Sugar, Autism, and Whole-Child Wellness with Dr. Joel Gator Warsh 10/05/2025

#048 How to Make Your Class Multicultural with Leanna Guillen Mora 09/21/2025

#047 Mindful Monday - Greet the Day 09/15/2025

#046 How to Create an After-School Mindfulness Club with JaTorra Commodore 09/07/2025

#045 Exploring Mindfulness-Based Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Education with Athea Davis 08/24/2025

#044 How to Reduce Anxiety in Early Childhood Classrooms with Colleen Smith 08/10/2025

#044 How to Reduce Anxiety in Early Childhood Classrooms with Colleen Smith Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Colleen Smith of ChildLight Yoga as they talk about an important topic for our community of kids yoga teachers and early childhood educators: "How do we reduce anxiety in the early childhood classroom (with simple yoga and mindfulness activities)?" In this interview, Colleen Smith from ChildLight Yoga and BeLive Yoga shares her expertise on reducing anxiety in the early childhood classroom. She discusses her background, along with the causes of anxiety, and offers practical yoga and mindfulness strategies for early childhood teachers to implement in their classrooms. Don’t miss her three recommended fun, simple ideas that children love! Some highlights: 1. Colleen's background and experience in kids yoga teaching and school counseling. 2. The causes of anxiety in young children, including the impact of world events and parental influence. 3. Practical tools and techniques for reducing anxiety, such as breathing exercises and mindfulness activities. 4. Success stories of helping anxious children regulate their emotions using these simple yoga and mindfulness techniques. 5. Advice for teachers on self-care and incorporating anxiety-reducing activities into the classroom routine. Find Colleen here: Website: Yoga and Mindfulness for Children Training: Let's Talk About Anxiety Training: Instagram: Instagram: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childlighteducationcompany/ 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/37348055

#043 How to Add Picture Books to Kids Yoga Class with Jodie Rodriguez 08/03/2025

#042 Mindful Monday - Seize the Beauty 07/28/2025

#041 How to Incorporate Literacy in Children’s Yoga Classes with Melissa Taylor 07/27/2025

#040 Yoga for Autism and Special Needs with Shawnee Thornton Hardy 07/20/2025

#039 Essential Tips for Teaching Baby Yoga with Shari Vilchez-Blatt 07/13/2025

#038 Mindful Monday - Ground Yourself 07/07/2025

#037 Raising Resilient Kids: Trust, Risk, and Free-Range Parenting with Lenore Skenazy 07/06/2025

#037 Raising Resilient Kids: Trust, Risk, and Free-Range Parenting with Lenore Skenazy Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Lenore Skenazy, founder of the Free-Range Kids movement and president of Let Grow, as they discuss how Lenore’s parenting choices many years ago sparked a national conversation that’s lasted more than fifteen years. In this interview, she breaks down what it means to trust children’s independence, why fear is so prevalent, and how schools and communities can encourage kids to grow. Some highlights: -The story behind letting her nine-year-old son ride the New York subway alone and the media firestorm that followed. -How trust, rationality, and firsthand reporting shaped Lenore’s parenting approach. -The cultural differences between America and other countries when it comes to raising resilient, independent kids. -Why unstructured, mixed-age free play is a critical component of child development—and how schools can safely make it happen. -Practical steps for parents and educators to break the cycle of constant supervision and encourage agency in children. Find Lenore Skenazy here: Facebook: Facebook Group: RAISING INDEPENDENT KIDS: Instagram: 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/36848780

#036 How to Teach Tween and Teen Yoga Classes with Claire Louise Smith 06/29/2025

#035 Mindful Monday - Meant to be Meditation 06/23/2025

#034 Raising Happy, Healthy Kids: The Microbiome, Vagus Nerve, & Gut-Brain Connection with Dr. Elisa Song 06/22/2025

#034 Raising Happy, Healthy Kids: The Microbiome, Vagus Nerve, & Gut-Brain Connection with Dr. Elisa Song Discover the keys to raising happy, healthy kids along with Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Dr. Elisa Song, a Stanford-, NYU-, UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert. Learn practical tips and science-backed strategies for optimizing your child’s microbiome and overall wellness. Some highlights: -The difference between integrative, functional, and conventional pediatrics, and how each approach supports children's health. -What the microbiome is, why it matters for kids’ physical and mental health, and how it affects the gut-brain connection. -The biggest disruptors of a healthy microbiome—like antibiotics, stress, and ultra-processed foods—and what you can do about them. -Simple, actionable steps to improve your child’s gut health, including label reading, the “three Fs” (fiber, phytonutrients, and fermented foods), and mindful supplementation. -Special tips for supporting neurodiverse children, reducing sugar cravings, and empowering kids to own their health choices. Where to find Dr. Elisa Song: Book: Website: Instagram: (@healthykids_happykids) Facebook: 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/36770465

#033 How to Apply for a School Yoga Grant with Leslie Wolfe 06/15/2025

#032 Building Confidence and Connection: Essential Tips for New Teachers with Alisha 06/08/2025

#032 Building Confidence and Connection: Essential Tips for New Teachers with Alisha Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Alisha from Rainbow Sky Creations as they talk about how starting out as a new kids yoga teacher can be overwhelming and share invaluable tips and strategies for new teachers. Some highlights: -The importance of keeping lesson plans simple and effective. -How to build strong connections with students by using their names and engaging them as they enter. -Structuring a five-part lesson plan for consistency. -Strategies for managing classroom chaos and staying calm. -Embracing discomfort and unpredictability as essential parts of teaching. About Alisha: Alisha is a seasoned educator and co-host of the teacher podcast Rainbow Skies for New Teachers. With 13 years of classroom experience under her belt, Alisha is also one of the visionaries behind Rainbow Sky Creations, a platform dedicated to empowering and supporting teachers at the start of their careers. Through her passion for education, Alisha strives to offer practical strategies and invaluable insights, making the journey into teaching smoother and more fulfilling for educators everywhere. Find Alisha and Ashleigh here: Website: Instagram: Facebook: 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/36747440

#031 Simple Mindfulness Tools for Everyday School and Family Life with Sally Arnold 06/01/2025

#030 Mindful Monday - Kindness Meditation 05/26/2025

The Kids Wellness Podcast

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